Do you see parallels between the US and Ancient Rome - as well as other great but now dead civilizations?

Question

It seems that this great nation is slowly following the same paths as other great civilizations of the past. Advanced technology and intellect; prosperous and growing; then becoming exceedingly liberal to the point of moral decay and internal strife making them easy targets for other nations. What do you think?

Answer 1

Agreed. The parallels are astounding.
Including the dementia of the proletariat (if I may call them that)
...and once again, the barbarians will overwhelm a once great empire.

Answer 2

Few I can think of I'm sure there are more: 1.) Leading super powers of the world (or known world). 2.) Both have representative government or republic (although the Romans eventually was overthrown by a Monarchy and it wasn't nearly as representative as the US... it was mostly an aristocracy lead by rich people). 3.) Both have been involved in empire building. 4.) Both have western cultures inherited from Greece. 5.) Both are predominantly Christian (Romans were first nation to make Christianity their official religion. The US is secular but the vast majority of population is Christian. Christianity has had a long history in US politics). I think ancient Rome is a great area to study and compare against the United States as they do have some very strong parallels. I find it really interesting how Rome started out as a small territory that slowly assimilated or conquered its neighbors, becoming larger and larger, passing from victory to victory but eventually it's own greatness and power succumbed to massive amounts of corruption, disorder and chaos that eventually destroyed it. Does the US have a similar fate in store for itself? As Rome's territory expanded the risks and rewards of Roman politics became greater and greater (greater than any nation in the world at that time). That huge attraction to politics and the powers it could grant to politicians and those that made deals with them led to major changes in political strategy that created serious (eventually fatal) political instability. One wonders if the same things are happening to the US right now with rumors of Haliburton, oil and unpopular foreign policy, etc.

Answer 3

Yes, if good and righteous people do nothing and turn pacifist, cowardly really, go along to get along and pacify the bullies-Liberal. The Mass Media are all in the hands of the enemies from within - the Liberal. They will do the American in! Just you watch and see! UNLESS - Good and sensible stand up for their right like the 3oo spartan and died for their right and freedom even if it mean giving their lives for the majority. Will you come forward and be counted ?
I am not even an American. Can you imagine that? I can see it coming and you can't? Unbelievable!

Answer 4

USA follows the foot step of the Roman Empire and the British Empire. You do not conquer other nations with morality. You need only superior military forces. Those nations that tried to control other nations eventually failed. No nation has the ambition to invade USA. But if USA tries to control other countries, she will eventually fail and bring disgrace to her people.

Answer 5

It isn't being liberal that brings down a civilization. It's when the population divides into very strict classes and there is a huge divide between people. When the rich can spend huge amounts on frivolous items and the poor can hardly afford food society breaks down.

Answer 6

There are some parallels, but not many. The fall of Rome was primarily do to spreading itself too thin to protect the homeland. It was strategic error that had nothing to do with 'moral decay'.

Answer 7

By all means YES! I'm glad you brought this up. Just like Rome, which was the worlds most powerful empire, the United States will deteriorate from within, not from without.

Answer 8

Only two cultures have ever placed their hands over their hearts when pledging allegiance.

Rome and the US, and we all know what happened to Rome.

(That aside, the Netherlands are extremely liberal and are showing no sign of social decay.)

Answer 9

No. Ancient Rome or Ancient Greece were homogenous civilazations. America is heterogenous, mix of cultures from all over the world, mix of ethnicities, of different people, religions, and traditions. This makes world and you know world changes but it always stays alive!

Answer 10

Arrogance